US Senator Steve Daines is expected to return to Beijing for another round of talks as preparations continue for Chinese President Xi Jinping’s planned visit to Washington in September 2026.
According to sources familiar with the matter, Daines’ trip aims to help finalize the agenda for a high-stakes summit between Xi and US President Donald Trump. Daines, a Montana Republican, has become an important backchannel figure between Washington and Beijing, having previously visited Beijing in May to help stabilize relations ahead of Trump’s trip to China.
One source said Daines has been carrying messages ahead of leader-level engagements and assisting in narrowing differences on key issues expected to dominate the upcoming summit. His role is seen as pivotal in the final stages of preparations.
“Both sides understand his role very well,” the source said. “He has become an effective channel for communicating President Trump’s concerns to the Chinese side and vice versa.”
This development underscores ongoing diplomatic efforts to solidify the agenda and framework for the anticipated meeting between the two leaders.
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